Joe, I take offense at "obnoxious like those Southerners...." Have you met any of us down here? been to our activities?

see http://www.ctms-folkmusic.org/festival/index.html

for info on the Summer Solstice Festival at Soka University on June 21 to 23.
The annual Summer Solstice Festival is the largest teaching-oriented gathering of its kind in the nation. Held in June, it attracts over 5,000 individuals, families, and friends for a weekend of "hands on" workshops where skills, repertoire and technique are taught. In addition there are jam sessions, master classes, performances and over 300 scheduled events.
For other Southern California events see
http://www.folkworks.org/
and for straight singing try
http://www.santamonicafolkmusicclub.org/
or
http://www.songmakers.org/

enjoy!
judy